Rock was a little apprehensive about going to Mieni Atoll's Muscle Beach. It wasn't that he considered himself too scrawny. He was actually in the best condition he's ever been in. It wasn't because he was a lesser Animalian. On the contrary, bulls were hardly considered minor. Some of the biggest Animalian of their size class are bulls. It wasn't because he was furless compared to other bulls. He knew of two Animalians who have built successful careers from being hairless. And it wasn't because he feared the other cows mocking him for his baldness. Mable was proving herself to be a very loyal companion and girlfriend. No, the reason for his apprehension was something considerably more mundane.
"I can't believe you of all people are afraid of a little sunburn," said Mable as she squirted more sunscreen on her hands.
"I have more reason to be worried about sunburn now," said Rock.
"Oh please, you're acting like you've never had a sunburn before," said Mable.
:No, but I didn't have as much area to cover as before," said Rock, "Now please hurry up."
Mable rolled her eyes. As much as she loved having Rock as a mate, part of her wondered she wanted to pursue the one Animalian who was afraid of a little too much sun.
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Muscle Beach was quite a bit more crowded than Rock and Mable expected. There were many muscular Animalians working on pumping weights or showing off their sculpted bodies. "Ok, the competition's gonna be tougher than I expected," said Rock.
"I still believe in you," said Mable fondly.
"Thanks, babe," said Rock, but he didn't look too sure of himself.
"I know you're better than them, and you know why?" asked Mable.
"Because I'm your bullfriend?" asked Rock a bit dryly.
"No, because their muscles are hiding under their fur," said Mable. She ran a hand over Rock's bare chest. "Not like you, where every big....thick...strong muscle is open display."
"You can stop rubbing my chest now," said Rock.
"But if feels good," said Mable.
Rock gently pushed her away.. Yes, he was relatively small, but there has to be a way he could prove he was strong. Maybe he could try throwing one of the other guys to show his strength. Of course, he'll have do it in a way that his thrown opponent won't come back immediately with payback in mind. Of course, given Animalians' good nature, that should be too hard. The hard part is when they come back on shore, they intend to return the favor.